Awestruck by wildlife in Westford and Littleton

The fawns were standing in the middle of Route 119 in Acton, late last month, before they loped over the guardrail and danced away. There amidst the shopping plazas, gas stations, and garden style apartment buildings, these spiritual cr...

The fawns were standing in the middle of Route 119 in Acton, late last month, before they loped over the guardrail and danced away.

There amidst the shopping plazas, gas stations, and garden style apartment buildings, these spiritual creatures were dwelling. But out of sight out of mind. Until wild animals come out from the shrubs and wooded areas, I seldom give a thought to what lives beyond the boundaries of our roadsides. I know there are bears living in Westford and Littleton because seldom a week goes by without someone sending a photo of one spotted at a birdfeeder or standing in a backyard. I have yet to set eyes upon one, however, and I forget to keep an eye out for them as I drive through town.

So if I ever happen upon one, I’ll be startled, thrilled, amazed just like those who send me the photos.

We live in an area that’s been developed and less conducive to sightings of large, wild animals than, say, the woods of New Hampshire. Perhaps the bears were always nearby, but we didn’t see them as frequently. When 31 acres of wooded land at the intersection of Littleton and Boston roads were cleared for the Cornerstone Square development in August 2010, the bear sightings multiplied. Now they’re commonplace.

But no matter how often I see a large wild animal, I cannot help but feel a thrill. Seeing the graceful, soulful fawns before me on the road as I headed to work that day, I was awestruck and overcome with wonder. It was a good way to start the day.